Washington D.C. - Some veterans meet their guardians for the very first time just hours before they travel together on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight.

But people like Mark Kubisiak and Terry Priebe already had a friendship that went back for years.

"[We've been friends for] about 20 [to] 25 years here," said Kubisiak.

On Monday, the veteran and guardian duo visited Washington D.C. on the 31st Never Forgotten Honor Flight. But their journey started in Minocqua, when they first became neighbors.

"[We like to] hunt and shoot some trap and do some fishing, occasionally. But mainly, [we] spend some time with our dogs," said Kubisiak.

Kubisiak retired from law enforcement about three years ago.

"I was a ranger on the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest based out of the Woodruff area," said Kubisiak.

Kubisiak knew he still wanted to give back to his country even after retiring, which is where his friendship with Terry Priebe came in.

"Knowing that he was a veteran, [I wanted to] pursue a chance to take him to this," said Kubisiak.

"I was a rifleman and a mortarman and a weapons platoon in a rifle company," said Priebe.

Priebe enlisted in the Marines in 1966 and served until April of 1969. Over the years, the two have shared their stories of service with each other and now this one adds to the friendship they've already built.

"[It's] been very emotional for me. I'm honored and feel privileged to be able to do this," said Priebe.